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Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief

Update on RMF's Involvement

April 27, 2015

What we know

RMF operations centered in Kathmandu but working quickly to set up outreach efforts to outlying areas and villages; the population in rural areas are completely cut off.
While some agencies are on the ground as well as government teams from China, Butan, India and Israel, there is still an overwhelming need for emergency help and supplies
Ground transportation is extremely limited, there is even difficulty for motorcycles to pass due to ongoing avalanches, challenging terrain, and pre-existing road conditions
The airport is open and operational in Kathmandu
Thousands are without shelter
Electricity and water infrastructure has been affected
Most trauma cases are being brought to the teaching hospital in Kathmandu where local medical staff is working tirelessly
There is an immediate need for medications, equipment and psychotrauma services

Needs

Huge need for funds to purchase big tents, plastic that can be used as tents, and other temporary structures. Tens of thousands of families in rural Nepal will likely need tents through the monsoon rain coming in 1-2 months
Water purifiers — small and easy to carry
Warm clothing/bedding, rain gear
Medical professionals with orthopedic and post-trauma experience
Those injured are in need of blood — if you are in Kathmandu head to the Teaching Hospital — there is a help desk set up to help you there.

RMF’s Involvement

We will apply much of what we learned from our previous Pakistan, Peru and Haiti earthquake relief efforts regarding the immediate needs of medical treatment of injuries (infections and major surgical needs), shelter, food, clean water and trauma relief. We have a lot of experience in this area and filling the gaps that arise even with the big agencies on the ground. Cholera is something everyone will be keeping an eye out for if large tent camps are set up without proper sanitation facilities. We will also try and purchase as much of the supplies locally as possible to support the local economy.

Thank you to the Society of Nepalese in Hawaii (SNEHA) who is working with domestic Nepali cultural and medical groups to raise funds for us to use when we implement. For more information visit their website — Society of Nepalese in Hawaii (SNEHA)